One of America’s Best Hole-in-the-Wall Pizzerias Is in a Strip Mall in Illinois

When people talk about the best pizza in Illinois, they usually start and end with Chicago. As a native of the Windy City, I'm proud of that, but I have to say they're missing out on some incredibly great stuff outside the city limits.

Rockford's Pizza Game Deserves Some National Love

For example, during my time in Rockford, there are plenty of joints that would qualify as quite good for a national list, looking at you Lino's and Capri, but that doesn't usually happen but here's one occasion where the national spotlight skipped the deep dish and landed way out west in a strip mall in Rock Island.

READ MORE: Top 5 Delectable Pizzas in Rockford, Illinois From Trip Advisor

Alfano's Pizza in Rock Island Gets a National Shoutout

Alfano's Pizza was just named one of America's best "hole-in-the-wall" pizzerias by Cheapism. Having been open for over 40 years and founded by Italian immigrants, Alfano's retains its original interior, featuring dark wood paneling and a faded map of Italy that's likely older than your first cell phone. Remember those Nokias?

What Makes Alfano's Pizza So Unique?

Anyway, at Alfano's, they serve up the usual suspects, but what makes them stand out are the local favorites, the taco pizza, the sauerkraut pizza, and a stuffed crust that's basically a pizza inside another pizza.

READ MORE: What Rockford Restaurant Makes The Most 'Outrageous' Pizza?

No Frills, Just Flavor at This Illinois Classic

Alfano's isn't a foodie hangout, so don't expect to find Instagram-worthy decor there. Instead, you'll get a walkup counter, a handful of tables, and some of the unexpectedly good pizza in the Midwest.

Think Alfano's is impressive? Wait til you see what Rockford's been serving up all along.